GIANT PANDAS INTRODUCED TO NEW HOME AFTER COMPLETING MONTH-LONG QUARANTINE

Singapore, 11 October 2012 – Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) today announced that giant pandas, Kai Kai (凯凯) and Jia Jia (嘉嘉) have completed their one-month quarantine on 6 October and are now being introduced to their new home, the Giant Panda Forest at River Safari.

The upcoming weeks will see River Safari’s zoology team, headed by Assistant Director of Zoology, Ang Cheng Chye, introducing Kai Kai and Jia Jia to their climate-controlled habitat in the Giant Panda Forest. The 1,500 square-metre exhibit – the largest in Southeast Asia – simulates the bears’ natural habitat, with lush live plants, boulders and water features. The temperature is kept between 18-22 degrees Celsius year round and humidity is set at 50-60 per cent to ensure the pandas’ comfort. The habitat’s specifications exceed those set by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Keepers will be placing the bears’ favourite food – bamboos – in various locations in the exhibit to encourage them to explore their new surroundings. The bears’ duration in the new exhibit will be extended progressively to give ample time for them to familiarise themselves and be comfortable.

WRS’ veterinary team had previously given the giant pandas a clean bill of health after a thorough medical examination on 20 September. Both Kai Kai and Jia Jia have been feeding on locally-grown bamboos such as sulphur and Siamese bamboo a day after their arrival on 6 September.

Visitors can look forward to visiting Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the giant panda exhibit this December. Details of the opening of the Giant Panda Forest will be provided at a later stage.